IBM introduced new high-performance all-flash storage arrays targeting multitenant cloud environments and mainframes, and said it will shortly introduce a new solution specifically for big data and scale-out NAS environments.

By year-end, the SwiftStack object storage platform is also slated to include cloud synchronization with AWS storage buckets and the ability to transparently access data whether stored as files or as objects.

While many of Dell's channel partners are moving quickly to sign up as EMC partners as a way to be ready to take advantage of the entire Dell plus EMC storage line after Dell's acquisition of EMC closes, EMC partners are more likely to wait and see what happens.

Dell is marrying its high-density DSS 7000 with the Scality Ring object storage solution to develop appliances that can store up to 172 TBs per rack unit of space, and in the process is continuing to expand its software-defined storage strategy.

Dell solution providers are signing up to get certified and trained on EMC solutions, or even considering acquiring an EMC partner, in order to get a slice of the EMC enterprise action once Dell's acquisition of EMC closes.

Executives for Dell and EMC have praised the integration capabilities of the two companies for after their merger is finalized, but executive pay is one area where the two vendors have their differences.

In an exclusive interview, NetApp's channel chief talked to CRN about the company's plans for integrating SolidFire's channel program, the impact SolidFire and NetApp will have on each other's channel -- and SolidFire's beer.

Pure Storage is using this week's Pure//Accelerate 2016 conference to target the fast-growing unstructured data market and fulfill what it and its partners see as a growing need for entry-level all-flash storage arrays.

NetApp's new channel rules of engagement, along with an emphasis on its fast-growing flash storage and converged infrastructure business, are aimed at helping the company leverage its channel partners to grow its business.

Doron Kempel says selling hyper-convergence can be challenging for solution providers, but success will come from taking business from competitors that are unprepared or hesitant to embrace the technology.